Career Networking

FACT:  Networking increases your visibility and credibility.

Network groups have responded to rising unemployment rates as alternative approaches to job
hunting have entered the work force. High-speed networking and power lunches provide job seek-
ers with opportunities to meet diverse professionals. Attendees can leave with a pocket full of busi-
ness cards. Like any other marketing plan, a good strategy can yield outstanding results. A basic
recipe for successful networking includes:

Putting on a friendly face and have a winning smile,

Making good eye contact,

Listening well,

Preparing a 30-second to two-minute elevator speech, informing key individuals what you do
(consider this as your commercial),

Always having plenty of business cards on hand.

Network meetings are an important part of the job search process. These types of encounters
should not be treated like casual conversations but instead, important fact and information-gathering
sessions. Network meetings differ from job interviews in that they are arranged by you—you estab-
lish the agenda.

Network meetings share a common purpose. You are meeting with a person to collect information
relevant to your job search. The specific content of each meeting will vary depending on your job
goals.